The $1 Million Excellence and Innovation Fund, powered by Mercy Mission in partnership with Muslim Impact Forum (MIF), exists to support Muslim-led organisations that are ready to move strong ideas into scalable, lasting impact.
Following the recent applicant webinar, this article clarifies the Fund’s purpose, eligibility, and what reviewers are looking for, to help organisations apply with confidence.
The summary of responses is from the recent webinar for the $1 Million Dollar Application Q&A Webinar. Find the full recording of the Q&A webinar here.
Who Can Apply
The Fund is open to Muslim-led organisations globally, with no geographic restrictions. To be eligible, organisations must:
- Have annual income below $3 million USD
- Have been operating for at least two years
- Demonstrate credible leadership and governance
The two-year requirement applies to the organisation, not the project. Projects may be new, early-stage, or in development.
Beneficiaries do not need to be Muslim. The Fund supports Muslim leadership, not restricted beneficiary groups.
What the Fund Supports
The Fund is project-focused, not a general organisational growth grant. Strong applications typically involve:
- Launching or scaling an innovative programme
- Introducing new systems, technology, or delivery models
- Expanding a proven intervention into a new phase
- Advocacy or systemic change with clear long-term impact
Standard delivery without innovation is unlikely to be competitive. Projects must align with the organisation’s experience and demonstrate relevance and credibility.
How Innovation and Impact Are Assessed
Innovation is defined as lasting improvement, not novelty. Projects may combine proven elements, but applicants must clearly explain:
- What is different or improved
- Why it delivers better outcomes
- How impact will be achieved and measured
Where long-term outcomes take time, applicants should present credible early indicators that demonstrate progress and direction. Reviewers prioritise outcomes over activities.
Funding Structure and Use
The Fund totals $1 million, expected to be split across multiple awardees. Applicants should request the amount genuinely required to deliver their project and are encouraged not to undersell.
Funding may cover:
- Capital and operational costs
- Staffing and specialist expertise
- Technology, infrastructure, and systems
- Research, development, and delivery
There is no required split between capital and operational expenditure. The Fund is not Zakat-restricted, allowing flexibility where costs are clearly linked to impact.
Prior Funding and Scale
Projects with existing funding may still apply if the proposal represents a distinct new phase or expansion. The Fund does not support double-funding the same delivery stage and is intended as catalytic funding that supports long-term sustainability.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications close at the end of January. No further extensions are planned.
Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel convened by Mercy Mission. Shortlisted organisations may be contacted for clarification or due diligence. Final awardees will be announced at the Muslim Impact Forum in Istanbul, 26–28 April.
Final Note to Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to think project-first. Strong submissions clearly articulate the problem, the innovation, the outcomes that matter, and the resources required to deliver them.
The Fund exists to back ambitious, credible ideas that can meaningfully improve lives and systems. Organisations with bold, well-reasoned proposals are encouraged to apply.
